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It is very common for athletes to experienceinjuries while playing the sport they love. Although there are ways to avoid such injuries, these methods aren’t always effective. When it comes to managing minor injuries, the RICE technique is often used. RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Painkillers are also used to treat sports-inflicted injuries; however some people cannot handle the side effects that come along with taking them. Consequently, these people may want to look into other treatment options such as kinesiology tape or chiropractic care. Consult with your doctor if you sustain an injury.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries need proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. If you have any concerns,contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Sport Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciosis

Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Ankle Sprains

Sports-related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) exists as an autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissue cells in the body, leading to pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis can happen at any age, with children being able to develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is especially important to regularly visit your doctor for treatment in preventing the progression of RA symptoms. Treatment options include different anti-inflammation medications and physical therapy. If RA is not treated properly, it can lead to eventual disability.

Because RA affects more than just your joints, including the joints in your feet and ankles, it is important to seek early diagnosis from your podiatrist if you feel like the pain in your feet might be caused by RA. For more information, contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s own immune system attacks the membranes surrounding the joints. Inflammation of the lining and eventually the destruction of the joint’s cartilage and bone occur, causing severe pain and immobility.

Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Feet

Although RA usually attacks multiple bones and joints throughout the entire body, almost 90 percent of cases result in pain in the foot or ankle area.

Symptoms

- Swelling & pain in the feet - Stiffness in the feet - Pain on the ball or sole of feet - Joint shift and deformation

Diagnosis

Quick diagnosis of RA in the feet is important so that the podiatrist can treat the area effectively. Your doctor will ask you about your medical history, occupation, and lifestyle to determine the origin of the condition. Rheumatoid Factor tests help to determine if someone is affected by the disease.

Cierra Portman, freshman forward for Missouri women’s basketball team, had to have surgery in late April to repair a Lisfranc injury. A screw was inserted during surgery to repair her foot injury. Porter sustained the injury while playing during high school, which she continued to play through into her first year at MU. Following the surgery, Porter was put on recovery for 6 to 8 weeks, with her father and assistant coach, Michael Porter Sr., hopeful that she will be pain-free again.

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to fix a foot ailment. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to help with the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary are:

Removing foot deformities like bone spurs and bunions

Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues

Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

Bunionectomy for painful bunions

Surgical fusion for realignment of bones

Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

As the warmer weather is coming around, more people are expected to start transitioning to jogging and running outside. According to Ian Hankins, coach of cross country and track and field, “When you run, you never have both feet on the ground at the same time,” so it’s important that your body is properly aligned when you run. Avoid leaning forward or backward when running. It’s also important to have proper weight training to strengthen the upper body and core. Balance is fundamental in ensuring that we maximize energy and efficiency while running.

Runners can still be prone to running injuries even with proper precautions. If you are suffering from a running injury, contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries? - One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome. - Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury. - Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries - Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs. - Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury. - Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries. - Stretching keeps muscles limber, this will help you gain better flexibility.

Although sweating is a natural process, the body’s way of regulating our overall temperature, certain factors may lead to increased sweating. Our bodies have between two to four million sweat glands, and factors such as obesity, being sedentary, caffeine, smoking, and synthetic fabrics can make us prone to sweating. Excessive sweating is also known as a common condition in which glands across our body produce more sweat than usual. See a doctor if you feel that your sweating is flaring up excessively.

Hyperhidrosis is a rare disorder that can cause people to have excessive sweating of their feet. This can usually occur all on its own without rigorous activity involved. People who suffer from hyperhidrosis may also experience sweaty palms.

Although it is said that sweating is a healthy process meant to cool down the body temperature and to maintain a proper internal temperature, hyperhidrosis may prove to be a huge hindrance on a person’s everyday life.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is considered to be the main form of hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis can refer to sweating that occurs in areas other than the feet or hands and armpits. Often this may be a sign of it being related to another medical condition such as menopause, hyperthyroidism and even Parkinson’s disease.

In order to alleviate this condition, it is important to see your doctor so that they may prescribe the necessary medications so that you can begin to live a normal life again. If this is left untreated, it is said that it will persist throughout an individual’s life.

A last resort approach would be surgery, but it is best to speak with your doctor to find out what may be the best treatment for you.

Morton’s neuroma is characterized as the thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves of the toes. Also known as interdigital neuroma, the condition occurs when the nerves of the toes become irritated and inflamed, which can lead to tingling or numbing sensations. Changing any ill-fitting footwear is important for preventing further progression of Morton’s neuroma. Avoid shoes such as high heels and opt for shoe inserts or custom orthotics to reduce pressure on your toes.

Morton’s Neuroma is a very uncomfortable condition to live with. If you think you have Morton’s neuroma contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a painful foot condition that commonly affects the areas between the second and third or third and fourth toe, although other areas of the foot are also susceptible. Morton’s neuroma is caused by an inflamed nerve in the foot that is being squeezed and aggravated by surrounding bones.

What Increases the Chances of having Morton’s Neuroma?

-Ill-fitting high heels or shoes that add pressure to the toe or foot

-Jogging, running or any sport that involves constant impact to the foot

-Flat feet, bunions, and any other foot deformities

Morton’s neuroma is a very treatable condition. Orthotics and shoe inserts can often be used to alleviate the pain on the forefront of the feet. In more severe cases, corticosteroids can also be prescribed. In order to figure out the best treatment for your neuroma, it’s recommended to seek the care of a podiatrist who can diagnose your condition and provide different treatment options.

There are many different causes of plantar fasciitis, many of which can be addressed by proper arch supports or custom orthotics. Different causes include tight arches, improper pronation of the feet, and tight calves, all of which can cause inflammation of the plantar fasciia. Stretches for your calf can also help alleviate arch pain. Use a round object like a golf ball to roll under your arch every day, as this is another method to help treat heel pain.

Plantar fasciitis can be very painful and inconvenient. If you are experiencing heel pain or symptoms of plantar fasciitis, contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, known as the plantar fascia, and causes mild to severe heel pain.

· Shockwave therapy – sound waves are sent to the affected area to facilitate healing and are usually used for chronic cases of plantar fasciitis

· Surgery – usually only used as a last resort when all else fails. The plantar fascia can be surgically detached from the heel

While very treatable, plantar fasciitis is definitely not something that should be ignored. Especially in severe cases, speaking to your doctor right away is highly recommended to avoid complications and severe heel pain. Your podiatrist can work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options tailored to your condition.

Stress fractures are injuries commonly caused by strenuous exercise, so it’s important to take breaks during your exercise routines. It is recommended to slowly increase your strength and endurance over time to prevent stress fractures. Stress fractures are caused by the constant pounding that your bones take over a period of time, as muscles become exhausted from strenuous exercise and are unable to protect the bones. Eating a healthy diet can help prevent stress fractures. Calcium and vitamin D are both important in building and strengthening bones.

Activities where too much pressure is put on the feet can cause stress fractures. To learn more, contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Dealing with Stress Fractures of the Foot and Ankle

The Stress Fractures occur on the foot and ankle when muscles in these areas weaken from too much or too little use. Then the feet and ankles lose support when walking or running from the impact of the ground. Since there is no protection the bones receive the full impact of each step. The stress on the feet causes cracks to form in the bones, thus called stress fractures.

What are Stress Fractures?

Stress fractures occur frequently in individuals whose daily activities cause great impact on the feet and ankles. Stress factors are most common among:

-runners

-people affected with Osteoporosis

-play tennis or basketball

-gymnastics

-high impact workouts

Symptoms

Pain from the fractures occur in the area of the fractures, and can be constant or intermittent. It will often cause sharp or dull pain with swelling and tenderness. Engaging in any kind of activity which involves in high impact will aggravate pain.

Being a diabetic patient means the risk of neuropathy and the loss of sensation in areas of your body such as the feet. When your feet loses feeling, that means they become at risk for complications like amputation. Neuropathy is caused by severe nerve damage to the feet, which can also “cause changes to the foot structure as the nerves affect muscle function, leading to foot deformities.” Wounds or injuries in the feet may go unnoticed and can become infected. Diabetic patients also have reduced blood circulation, making open wounds more prone to infection.

Diabetic foot care is important in preventing foot ailments such as ulcers. If you are suffering from diabetes or have any other concerns about your feet contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

Diabetic Foot Care

Diabetes affects millions of people every year. Diabetes can damage blood vessels in many parts of the body, including the feet. Because of this, taking care of your feet is essential if you have diabetes, and having a podiatrist help monitor your foot health is highly recommended.

The Importance of Caring for Your Feet

Routinely inspect your feet for bruises or sores.

Wear socks that fit your feet comfortably.

Wear comfortable shoes that provide adequate support.

Patients with diabetes should have their doctor monitor their blood levels because blood sugar levels play such a huge role in diabetic care. Monitoring these levels on a regular basis is highly advised.

It is always best to inform your healthcare professional of any concerns you may have regarding your feet, especially for diabetic patients. Early treatment and routine foot examinations are keys to maintaining proper health, especially because severe complications can arise if proper treatment is not applied.

Exercising as we get older can lead to many different benefits for our bodies. Dr. Harun Durudogan, orthopedic surgeon at Advocate Christ Medical Center, says that “exercise can help strengthen the muscles around the joints and lower the chance of injuries.” Aging means the weakening of bones and muscles and less support for our bodies. It’s important to warm up and stretch before exercising if you are older to avoid injury and joint pain. Exercise can also prevent arthritis and achy joints, so it is recommended for people of all ages.

Proper foot care is something many older adults forget to consider. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles contact one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep your pain free and on your feet.

The Elderly and their Feet

As we age we start to notice many changes in our body, but the elder population may not notice them right away. Medical conditions may prevent the elderly to take notice of their foot health right away. Poor vision is a lead contributor to not taking action for the elderly.

Common Conditions

Neuropathy – can reduce feeling in the feet, and can hide many life threating medical conditions.

Reduced flexibility – prevents the ability of proper toenail trimming, and foot cleaning. If left untreated, it may lead to further medical issues.

Foot sores – amongst the older population can be serious before they are discovered. Some of the problematic conditions they may face are:

Gouging toenails affecting nearby toe

Shoes that don’t fit properly

Pressure sores

Loss of circulation in legs & feet

Edema & swelling of feet and ankles

Susceptible Infections

Diabetes and poor circulation can cause general loss of sensitivity over the years, turning a simple cut into a serious issue.

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Sciatica is characterized as pain that occurs throughout the back area down throughout the body to the feet. Pain that is associated with sciatica results from inflammation or irritation of the sciatic nerves, which can affect the lower back, the buttocks area, the legs, calves, or feet. There are different degrees of pain, ranging from simple tingling or dull soreness, to stabbing or throbbing aches. Sciatica affects “40% of people” and can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, steroid injections or pills, physical therapy, and surgery.

When dealing with systemic disease of the feet, is extremely important to check the affected areas routinely so that any additional problems are caught quickly. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

Systemic Diseases of the Feet

Systemic diseases affect the whole body, and symptoms usually are displayed in the feet. This condition can make a patient’s ability to walk unbearable. Systemic diseases include gout, diabetes mellitus, neurological disorders, and arthritis.

Gout – is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body. Common symptoms include pain, inflammation, and redness at the metatarsal/phalangeal joint of the base big toe. Gout can be treated by NSAIDs to relieve pain and inflammation, and other drugs that lower the acid levels in the body.

Diabetes mellitus – is an increase in the level of blood sugar that the body cannot counteract with its own insulin. Failure to produce enough insulin is a factor in Diabetes.

Diabetes of the Feet

Diabetic Neuropathy – may lead to damaged nerves and affect the feet through numbness and loss of sensation.

Peripheral Vascular Disease – can restrict the blood flow to the feet, and often times lead to amputation of the feet.

The phrase “breaking in your shoes” actually means bad news for your feet. Making your feet adjust to the shape and size of your shoes means prolonged strain and chronic problems. When choosing footwear, make sure to find shoes that fit your feet and optimize comfort. Your footwear should have enough room to allow your feet to wiggle your toes. Try on shoes at the store and walk in them first to see if there is any initial pain to prevent and avoid any long-term issues.

Finding a proper fitting shoe is important in reducing injuries and preventing foot problems. For more information about treatment, seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

Proper Shoe Fitting

A common concern when it comes to foot health, having properly fitted shoes can help prevent injuries to the foot. Out feet affect our posture and gait, which in turn affects the biomechanics and overall bodily structure. With 33 joints, 26 bones, and over 100 ligaments, the potential for serious injury is much greater than one realizes. Although the feet cease growth in adulthood, they still change shape as they mature. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to investing in proper fitting shoes:

Be sure the shoes fit correctly right away

Ensure the ball of your foot fits comfortably in the widest portion of the shoes

Even though they may look fashionable, improper fitting shoes can either create adverse conditions or exacerbate existing ones you may already have

Walk along a carpeted surface to ensure the shoes comfortably fit during normal activity

Keeping in mind how shoes fit the biomechanics of your body, proper fitting shoes is vitally important. Fortunately, it is not difficult to acquire footwear that fits correctly. Be sure to wear shoes that support the overall structure of your body. Do your feet a favor and invest in several pairs of well-fitted shoes today.

Indiana Hoosiers sophomore guard Robert Johnson sustained a sprained ankle injury in the game against Purdue. With a little over 3 minutes remaining in the game, Johnson had to be escorted off the court. Hoosiers coach Tom Crean confirmed on his radio show that Johnson has an ankle sprain. Crean was not able to give the exact status of Johnson’s condition at the time. Johnson was being monitored at the time and will be in recovery.

Ankle sprains are common, but need immediate attention. If you have any concerns about your feet,seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising

Limited mobility

Swelling

Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion

Stretching before exercises and sports

Knowing your limits can aid in prevention

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

Arthritis is commonly used as a general term to describe a disease that causes inflammation and stiffness of small joints in the body. Included in the arthritis category are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, which are also the “most common types of arthritis, affecting 1.5 million and 27 million Americans, respectively.” Rheumatoid arthritis can develop quickly, usually affecting the small joints, while osteoarthritis develops over time and can affect any joint on the body. Arthritis pain symptoms are sporadic and should be treated immediately.

Arthritis can be a difficult condition to live with. If you are seeking treatment,seek the assistance of one of our podiatrists from Southeast Podiatry. Our doctors will provide the care you need to keep you pain free and on your feet.

Arthritic Foot Care

Arthritis is a joint disorder that involves inflammation of different joints in your body, such as in your feet. Arthritis is often caused by a degenerative joint disease and causes mild to severe pain in all affected areas. On top of this, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints can also be a common symptom of arthritis.

In many cases, wearing ill-fitting shoes can worsen the effects and pain of arthritis. Wearing shoes that have a lower heel and extra room can help your feet feel more comfortable. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the arch in your foot may become problematic. Buying shoes with proper arch support that contour to your feet can help immensely.

Alleviating Arthritic Pain

Exercises that stretch the foot can prevent further pain and injury and increase mobility

Most of the pain can be alleviated with anti-inflammatory drugs, heat, and topical medications

Massages can help to temporarily alleviate pain.

It is best to see your doctor for the treatment that is right for your needs and symptoms. Conditions vary, and a podiatrist can help you determine the right method of care for your feet.